Rookie Moms

Thanks to Ryan for this tip. If you’re getting tired of picking up Cheerios that have been flung over the highchair tray, feed your older baby directly on the floor.

I noticed that Holden will make a pass under the dining room table and grab anything lingering from the most recent meal.

My friend, Jeanine, takes it a step further and actually leaves little pieces of teryaki tofu (or actual fruit) on the floor so that Pepper will think it’s forbidden fruit. Pepper also enjoys lint and the occasional ladybug.

We’ve all heard about how great skin-on-skin contact is for developing infants, but I’ve got a better reason to keep your shirt off: baby puke (including simple drool, garden-variety spit-up, and projectile vomit) wipes right off skin without the aid of a washing machine.

If you have to go some place important, put your shirt on as the very last thing you do.

Speaking only for myself, it feels good to be cruising down the open road with the windows down listening to my favorite songs and singing at the top of my voice.

Before I had a kid, and was a travelling consultant, I made friends with more than one truck driver who was impressed with my little song and dance… but I digress…

Sing loud to fun music. It’s cathartic for you and it’s funny for baby.

So, if you’re facing a baby question and it’s not so pressing to warrant a doctor call or visit, the Internet can be a great resource…

• Berkeley Parent’s Network
• Dr. Sears
• BBC Parenting Support

Don’t forget to tap your personal network too!